Current edition owners - don't forget to check the special website for any post-publication changes to road information and our Insider Tips. The links to this website can be found in the "Quick Start" section of your book.

Inspections at the U.S. border are performed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) and other government agencies. All have very strict rules regarding the importation of food, pets, medications and other personal items when entering the USA.

Another website worth visiting is called EZBorder Crossing. Please be aware though that this is a "non-official" site, it's ownership is not disclosed and it contains some advertising.

But it does contain a wealth of helpful "crossing-the-border" information to make the process less stressful. Topics cover - The Inspection experience, working with the officer and what to expect . . . and some excellent tips to make your border experience easier for both driver and passengers.

The website also provides a separate page for every Canada/U.S. border crossing point, with much useful information.

As previously mentioned, this is not an official government site so any specific information it contains on what is or is not allowed should be checked for accuracy at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency website referenced above.

Canadian and other non-U.S. visitors will find that their valid Visa and Mastercards can no longer be used at gas pumps in many areas of the USA because they are now required to enter a zip code . . . and foreign credit cards do not have a U.S. billing address with a zip code.

U.S. Gas station operators suggest alternative solutions which often violate the terms of the issuing foreign bank's credit card agreement.

This situation has received much unfavorable media coverage in Canada, Germany and the UK, (Florida's largest non-American tourist markets) over the last few years.

Click here for further information about this problem, and a possible solution if you are visiting the USA for a few weeks or more.

These weather radar screens show whether there is any precipitation (rain, sleet or snow) heading in your direction on your I-75 drive south, or within Florida. After viewing these maps, use your browser Back button to return to this page.

The first link takes you to an overall weather radar view of North America. Any precipitation - rain, sleet or snow - is color coded and indicates whether the precipitation is light or heavy. The maps use a state/county boundary overlay.

The radar screens do NOT show the course of the I-75. Instead, they show various airports identified by their 3 letter code. Trace the route of I-75 to Florida on the radar screens, by using the following airport codes . . .

With the exception of Michigan and Ohio, all I-75 states and Florida have now adopted the national 511 traffic information system. This means that each 511 state updates its traffic and related information (see below) every few minutes, and makes it available to the public via phone (dial 511) and website (links below).

What is covered? Here's a general list of the 511 information available in participating states:

Traffic flow and trip times.

Accidents and other limiting incidents.

Lane closures.

Road construction.

Special event road closures.

Amber alerts.

This is particularly helpful while on the road since the 511 service is immediately available via mobile phone. The information also tends to be route specific. When you dial the 511 number, you will hear a menu and possibly sub-menus (voice prompt or by keyboard digit) to direct to the specific interstate and destination for which you require information. Due to regional accent differences, I suggest using keyboard input in Tennessee and Georgia!

Michigan and Ohio still report construction projects and traffic incidents through their DOT websites.

My thanks to "Gas Buddy" for the daily city low/high prices in the small boxes. To check gas price information in a specific area, just click on the city name at the top in each box.
Please remember, gas prices change on a daily basis and actual prices may be different. The data do provide a good basis of state to state comparison, though.

Canadian Snowbird Association: For Canadians with a southern winter lifestyle, this is one of the most useful organizations to belong to. The CSA constantly monitors the "ever changing border" and provides useful tips and other information to its members vis a its website, emails and newsletter.

I must declare an interest here for I am the CSA News Magazine's feature travel writer. This glossy magazine which is published quarterly, covers many issues of interest to the Canadian retired community. From health and money topics, to travel and entertainment, every edition of CSA News is packed with useful information. Past editions are posted on the CSA website and here you will find many of my articles which encompass topics beyond the scope of my driving books.

CSA membership starts at a low cost - Cdn$25/year for a single. I heartily recommend membership in the CSA.